Father, 26, of one of Britain's smallest babies is killed alongside girl, 18, in horror car crash just 23 months after celebrating birth of son who was born weighing just 1lb 8oz
The father of one of Britain's smallest babies has died in a horror car crash just 23 months after celebrating the birth of his son who was born weighing just 1lb 8oz.
Benjamin Teague, 26, was killed alongside his 18-year-old female passenger when his BMW was in collision with a Volkswagen ID4 at 9.10pm last Monday.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on the A5 between Potterspury and Paulerspury, Northants., but nothing could be done to save the pair.
The tragedy comes almost two years after van driver Benjamin welcomed the arrival of his son Logan who was tinier than his teddy bear when he was born 11 weeks early.
The miracle tot weighed just 1lb 8oz when he was born on September 30, 2019 - just 10oz more than the UK's smallest baby.
Northamptonshire Police yesterday released a poignant photo of Benjamin and Logan both smiling for the camera beside a lake.
Benjamin Teague, 26, was killed alongside his 18-year-old female passenger when his BMW was in collision with a Volkswagen ID4 at 9.10pm last Monday. Pictured: Ben with his partner Danielle and baby Logan
The tragedy comes almost two years after van driver Benjamin welcomed the arrival of his son Logan who was tinier than his teddy bear when he was born 11 weeks early. Pictured: Ben and Logan
Fighting back tears, his heartbroken former partner Danielle Forrester, 26, said today: 'I'm just absolutely devastated.
'We had split up but were on the verge of getting back together before this happened so I'm just heartbroken really.
'I don't know what more to say he was just a brilliant father, and I'll always make sure Logan remembers his dad.
'The police have told us not to say anything about the crash until after the investigation. We are just trying to come to terms with it.'
Paying tribute to Benjamin, his devastated parents said: 'Ben Teague was a much-loved Daddy, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.
'Our beautiful boy gone way too soon, our hearts are broken. Your smile will never be forgotten. We love you mate xxxx.'
Police are now appealing for witnesses to the smash and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch with the force.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said: 'The family are being supported by specially trained officers, and ask that their privacy be respected at this incredibly distressing time.'
When Logan was born at Northampton General Hospital he was popped in a sandwich bag to keep him warm because he arrived so prematurely.
His mother Danielle nestled a teddy bear beside him to comfort him whilst he was in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit.
The soft toy was bigger than the tiny tot, but after nine weeks in hospital, Logan battled to full health and was allowed home.
Mother Danielle, of Northampton, who works in recruitment, said previously: 'When Logan was born we put a little teddy bear in his incubator to comfort him while he was in hospital.
'The teddy was pretty small, but Logan was so weeny, it swamped him. It made us realise just how tiny and fragile he was.
'He was so tiny - you could hold him in the palm of your hand. He's come such a long way and is now in proportion with his little bear. It's become one of his favourite toys - he loves snuggling up with it. We are so proud of how far he's come.'
Benjamin was said to have been thrilled at the prospect of becoming a father despite the couple not planning to start a family so soon.
Danielle added: 'It was a bit of a shock at first. I was on the pill and we hadn't planned it. We had always wanted to have a baby, but thought it would be a bit later on in our lives.
'Once we got our head around the news, it was a lovely surprise. Ben was in the operating theatre with me and as soon as Logan arrived we were able to have a quick glance.
'Logan let out a big scream when they took him out which made both Ben and I cry - mainly tears of relief. We were really lucky.'